Sledmere Stud graduate Arkansaw Kid went back-to-back in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on the Makybe Diva Stakes program carrying 3kgs more than he did 12 months beforehand in the time honoured sprint.
One of Australia’s star sprinters, the 5-year-old son of Harry Angel (Ire) went to post the $3.20 favourite of the 11 runner event and proceeded to score by half-a-length under a sublime Blake Shinn ride.
Campaigned at a very high level by Ben, Will & JD Hayes throughout his career, Arkansaw Kid took his earnings to $1,858,395 following five wins and 10 placings — eight of which have been seconds.
Speaking after his latest Bobbie Lewis success, co-trainer JD Hayes remarked: “It was a beautiful watch. He finally drew a barrier when he was able to sit a bit closer. He’s run terrific in his last two [starts] but he’s had to go back from bad draws and today it was just a beautiful watch.
“He was really travelling well at the clock tower and it looked like Blake [Shinn] had plenty of horse there, and he was strong to the line. It was a well overdue win for the ownership group who have been incredibly patient. He’s been a bit of a bridesmaid, so it’s good to get the result.”
JD added in part: “He’s a horse that is never far away and we’ve always thought he was a Group 1 horse, especially in a handicap, and he proved that [again] today. He was quite dominant, especially down the straight.”
One of the most talented and consistent racehorses in training, Arkansaw Kid is an absolute credit to breeder Philippa Duncan and her co-owners, as well as to the entire Lindsay Park Racing team.
A dual Group 2 winner and triple Listed Race winner, the $190,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale alumni also placed at Group 1 level as a juvenile when third in the Blue Diamond Stakes, and is Pattern Race placed up to 1600m.